RALEIGH – The NC State women’s soccer team received a big boost on Wednesday afternoon, announcing the signing of German defender Franziska Jaser to its roster. Jaser becomes the latest member of head coach Tim Santoro’s first recruiting class and will be immediately eligible to play during the 2014 season.

Franziska Jaser | D | Bayern Munich | Burgau (Germany)Likely to be a key member of the U20 German National Team for the FIFA World Cup in Canada from August 5-24 … The female recipient of the 2013 Fritz Walter Bronze Medal, an annual award given by the German Football Federation to its male and female youth players of the year … A fixture on the U17 German National Team for multiple years … Joined Bayern Munich in 2013 … In 2012, was elevated as a younger player to the U17 German National Team for the UEFA Championship, helping to beat France in the final … Played six matches for Germany at the 2012 U17 FIFA World Cup, during which the Germans posted three wins, two losses, and one draw en route to finishing in fourth place … Started and played the full 90 minutes in all six of Germany’s matches at the U17 World Cup … As a 16-year-old, was elevated to the U19 team for a 4-0 win over Sweden in Vaxjo … Played with the male and female teams at TSG Thannhausen from 2008-13 … Started and played the full 90 minutes in two matches at the UEFA U17 Championship … Debuted with the U15 German National Team in 2010 with a 2-0 win over Norway.

Coach Santoro’s take: “Franziska is a saavy, complete defender who has competed on the world stage. She had a very good World Cup for Germany a few years back and she has continued her development on both the domestic and international levels. She is someone we expect to solidify our starting lineup right away.”

NC State opens the 2014 season with a home exhibition against Appalachian State on Aug. 13. The Wolfpack will then host UNC-Wilmington on Aug. 22 for its first official match of the season.